What causes the over-the-top maneuver during a golf swing?

The over-the-top maneuver in a golf swing is primarily caused by an overdominance of the upper body. When a golfer relies too heavily on the upper body for swing mechanics, it can lead to a lateral movement of the arms and club during the downswing, resulting in the club moving excessively from the outside to inside path. This action creates a steep angle and typically leads to slices or pulls.

When the upper body is the dominant force, it often means that the lower body is not adequately engaged, which is critical for a balanced and effective swing. A proper golf swing requires a synchronized movement between the lower and upper body, where the lower body initiates the downswing by shifting weight and allowing the upper body to follow in harmony. This coordination is essential for achieving the correct swing path and maximizing power.

Other factors such as grip positioning and weight shift can play roles in swing mechanics, but they do not directly cause the over-the-top maneuver in the same way that an overdominance of the upper body does. Instead, they might contribute to broader issues in swing technique that could exacerbate or lead to an over-the-top move, but the core issue of timing and body contribution throughout the swing points to the upper body’s role.